"Pure-hearted Macho" easily surpassed MBS to achieve first place in its time slot.
[Time Limit: 5 minutes 11 seconds]
The 3-day time limit was also almost at an end.
"I haven't even been home for three days now."
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the halo of light to stay in my personal office.
Over the past few days, I had been searching for ways to improve my skills outside of the system.
It was similar to the method I had used at the loan shark's office.
Practice writing the script myself after dipping my head in the light for a bit.
"I think the script I wrote isn't bad either..."
It was training to prepare for a future where I might not be able to stay in a location for long.
Besides that, comparing what I wrote with the system's script was helpful in improving my skills.
Perhaps because the theme of regression is so versatile.
"The Regressor Who Erases Memories" consistently maintained its fun.
"Let's check it one last time."
In the early part of Part 3, written with the system's help, the female protagonist was in shock.
Because no matter how hard she tried to avoid the man, she absolutely could not.
-How do you... know where I am every time? -Do you know how many times I've turned back time just to see you? -...What are you talking about? -You're the only one among the people around me who still remembers me. -Explain it so I can understand!
Screeeeeeech—! At that moment, a vehicle that suddenly swerved onto the sidewalk crashed into the two protagonists. A cargo truck that had suddenly appeared when no one was expecting it. The protagonist's daily life was distorted by the appearance of the female lead. -Keuugh, cough.
Step, step— The driver checked the condition of the two and then made a call somewhere. -I've finally taken care of it. Park Sungwook wanted to lift his head, but his body wouldn't listen. -I hit a man as well; please take care of the clean-up. Soon, the mysterious assassin turned and disappeared. The male protagonist was filled with rage and vowed revenge. Then, he turns back time. The world was separated into puzzle pieces. And the pieces were put together in an instant, one by one. -Keuk, you son of a bitch... I definitely remembered your voice.
This, the villain's role seems to be quite significant. It would be best if I could cast an actor of teacher Choi Manho's caliber this time as well.
After that, I re-checked the content of Part 4.
The protagonist's journey of endlessly repeating regression to win the female lead's favor.
Of course, it wasn't easy to get close to her, so all he got was a slight reaction around the final scene.
-How do you... know me so well? -No, compared to the number of times I've regressed, I barely know you. -Pardon?
And then, the full-scale appearance of the dark organizations from Busan.
Now it really felt like I was watching a crime thriller drama.
"Phew... there's really nothing left to fix now."
I threw myself onto the simple bed in a corner of the studio.
The next day, in the morning.
Ring-ring-ring-ring—! The alarm pierced my eardrums and tormented my ears. Soon, I lifted my eyelids with difficulty.
"Ah... I'm sleepy."
A sense of fatigue washed over me after staying up for the past few days, immersed in the script.
Now that we had held our own in the competition with MBS, it seemed I just needed to focus on the next project.
"Hyaaawn."
Ring, ring, ring—
I immediately called Manager Jung.
I could probably see her if I just took the elevator up a few floors.
-Hello.
"I've finished writing. Up to Part 4."
-What?
"The Regressor Who Erases Memories."
-Uh... already!?
"Yes. Let's set up a meeting with Director Song right away."
After speaking directly, I waited for Saerom's answer.
-Hmm, I was actually scheduled to see the director today anyway.
"Really? When?"
-We were supposed to meet in a few hours. Originally, I was planning to go see him alone...
"Let's go together."
-Yes. Then can you be here by 9 AM?
"I can be there in 5 minutes."
-What?
Only then did I realize.
'Does no one know I'm here?'
It seemed they didn't know that I had been staying here for several days.
Only Kang Cheoljoong and Kang Jun knew, and they were the ones who brought me food.
"I'm at the Tempest office right now. I haven't been home."
-Hmm... you could wash up before you come.
"It's a waste of water."
-...At least wash your face.
"Hey, there's no time..."
-Ah, just do it.
"Okey-dokey."
Click.
"As expected of Tempest!"
Where else can you find a production company that even cares about a writer's dignity?
Manager Jung Saerom received three parts of the script from Jinwoo.
Halt—
However, there was a part that caught her attention as she was reading the middle of Part 2.
"An illegitimate child of a chaebol family..."
Of course, Writer Kim Jinwoo probably didn't intend it.
But she couldn't help but be bothered by the female lead's background.
"Well, the content is perfect."
Usually, the ones who requested the most script revisions after the director were the production companies.
Requesting revisions to lines that harmed commercial viability was basic.
And depending on the contract, they might even bring in an assistant writer specializing in PPL.
"There's nothing to fix."
The quality was so high that it made one wonder how he could write so quickly.
It was understandable why Yeo Minseo was so disappointed.
Scenes she couldn't have known from just seeing Part 1 were drawn in her mind.
Because it was a script that you could literally imagine in your head just by reading.
Moreover,
"It suits Hyunji so well, doesn't it?"
The charm of the main female protagonist, which couldn't be known from just Part 1.
She was a protagonist of a different kind from the acting Semi showed in "Pure-hearted Macho."
A character who maintained her own position while engaging in a moderate push-and-pull with the male lead.
"Which broadcasting station was that project Hyunji has a minor role in...?"
It was a mediocre project, but she had let it be because Hyunji had wanted to act.
She thought she should have waited a bit longer before putting her in a minor role.
It might be a little awkward if her next project right after appearing in a minor role was as the main female lead.
"Team Leader Byun was right."
Signing with writer Kim Jinwoo was the best choice of the year.
The company's situation had improved greatly since signing with him.
In particular, the strategy of extremely limiting Im Jaejun's and Ji Seongho's commercial appearances was the best choice.
Because thanks to their rarity, their guarantees had skyrocketed to be higher than top stars.
Instead of filming several commercials, they could earn the same income and preserve their image by filming just one.
"I haven't been able to properly care for the other writers these days."
Originally, she could have managed far more writers than Team Leader Byun without any trouble.
But perhaps because of the difficulties in casting, she had to pay twice as much attention to writer Kim Jinwoo.
"So..."
How much should I set the contract fee for the next project? It seemed she would have to renew the contract fee for this project as an exception. No matter how successfully he had debuted, it was common to sign the second project at around the 8 million won mark.
"I should start with a base of at least 10 million won for the writer's fee."
Honestly, she was also personally grateful to writer Kim Jinwoo.
It would be hard to forget her father's expression for a while after hearing the news about "Pure-hearted Macho."
He had invested the most money in "The Chaebol Heir is a Pure-hearted Macho."
But paradoxically, he was the one who had hated the project's success more than anyone.
"First, I should go and meet Director Song Gwonsu."
I hope the production of the next project goes a little more smoothly.
Song Gwonsu stroked his chin as he looked at the script he had received in advance.
"Hah... to think I'd be directing this script."
When he first received the call from Tempest, he had doubted his ears.
And in just a few days, he had formed the best team.
The director of photography and the lighting director, who had stormed out of SBC just like him.
Director Song Gwonsu, who had stood at the top with "To Draw a Star," made a firm resolution.
He would definitely seize this opportunity and create a result that surpassed his previous work.
Step, step—
At that moment, a man with a familiar face walked over with a woman.
"Manager-nim, what did you mean when you gave me actress Kim Hyunji's manager's number?"
"You're the one who asked me for it, Writer-nim. You said you wanted to visit the set."
"Hey, that's secondary. I think you just admitted it, didn't you?"
"...Let's talk later."
Soon, Director Song Gwonsu stood up first and greeted Jinwoo.
"Nice to see you. We meet again."
"Ah, Director Song!"
The atmosphere of the meeting between Director Song Gwonsu and Tempest was peaceful.
Without any room for Kim Jinwoo to intervene, Manager Jung Saerom led the conversation smoothly.
"I think it would be good to sign a contract along these lines."
"Honestly... this is more than I deserve."
"It's far from enough for Director Song, who directed 'To Draw a Star'."
Director Song paused for a moment and then continued.
"...I was surprised when I heard that you, among the many freelance PDs, had chosen me."
"We only look at ability."
"That, might cause great harm to Tempest Entertainment."
"I've already prepared for it, so please don't worry."
Manager Jung Saerom, reassuring Director Song with a slight smile.
At this moment, she was more dependable than anyone else.
"Before we talk about casting... we should find a broadcasting station first, right?"
"To avoid SBC's influence, KBC or MBS would be the best."
It was hard to say if those stations would willingly take on the burden.
Honestly, weren't they people who had no need to take on such a risk?
"Still, let's give it a poke. There's a good chance."
First, since KBC had entrusted Director Song with a variety show production, it meant they acknowledged him.
And MBS, after being beaten down by "Pure-hearted Macho," would have no choice but to acknowledge Jinwoo's work.
"I'll try poking KBC first. For now, since I'm filming a variety show."
"Yes, Director-nim. I will mobilize my connections at MBS and connect you."
'Hmm, right. I think I know why Manager Jung said she was coming alone.'
It was a clean meeting with no room for Kim Jinwoo to intervene.
She had already finished the conversation and was looking at Jinwoo as if to ask if he had anything to say.
"...Let's get up."
A moment later, Jinwoo, intending to stop by somewhere, contacted someone.
Ring, ring, ring—
"Are you, by any chance, Ms. Kim Hyunji's manager?"
-Yes. Who is...
"This is writer Kim Jinwoo."
Even among cable channels, the hierarchy is clearly divided.
There were also broadcasting stations that had low recognition but consistently produced dramas.
One of them was MDN.
"It's almost my turn."
Hyunji stood alone in a corner and read the script several times.
Perhaps because the drama's recent ratings had been a total failure, the staff's nerves were on edge.
'I've memorized all the lines...'
A role that was originally supposed to be cast through an audition, even though it was a minor one.
The gazes of the production staff, who were sneaking glances at her, were not friendly.
'It must be because I'm a parachute hire...'
A role landed through the power of Tempest Entertainment.
In reality, a rookie had no right to refuse.
'If there's an opportunity to act, I should bow and accept it.'
Although the filming was only for one day, everything was unfamiliar because it was her first drama.
In the midst of that, the staff's gazes were not friendly, so she couldn't help but feel intimidated.
"She has no shame."
"If it were me, I would have at least bought everyone drinks."
"Just ignore her."
It might not be gossip directed at her.
But her inferiority complex pushed her further into a corner.
At that moment, Hyunji bumped shoulders with someone and fell.
It seemed the employee's vision was obscured because they were carrying a heavy load.
"Ouch, ah..."
Her knee was scraped and bleeding.
"I-I'm sorry. Are you okay?"
"Ah, yes..."
"I'm really sorry."
"It's okay."
Kim Hyunji stopped by the bathroom and washed the wound on her knee with water.
"Ah, it huuuurts..."
However, from outside the bathroom, someone's shout was heard.
Listening closely, wasn't it her own name being called?
As soon as she came out of the bathroom, she didn't know what to do in the hostile atmosphere of the set.
"Who is Kim Hyunji!!!"
"Ah... I-I'm sorry!"
Although it was a very short time, she had delayed the filming.
For a rookie like Kim Hyunji, it was a major disaster.
"Hey, are you crazy?"
"What? I-I'm sorry..."
"Is sorry all you can say? Do I have to cancel the shoot now because of one minor role? Are you kidding me?"
The director shouted like a madman, berating Hyunji.
Receiving the gazes of all the staff, she felt like tears were about to well up.
All she had done was stop by the bathroom for a moment because she was injured.
But there would be no one in this place who would understand such circumstances.
She lifted her head and made eye contact with the person who had bumped into her, but the man soon lowered his head.
He, too, was just one of the many 'weak' people, just like her.
"Hey, where are you looking? Huh?"
"I-I'm sorry..."
"Damn it, now even dogs and cows are ignoring me. You're doing this because you saw that article that said I play dirty, aren't you?"
It was a fact she had no idea about.
And a fact she had no desire to know.
His personality certainly seemed dirty.
She was about to apologize again, but the director spoke first.
"Replace her. There are tons of minor actors. We need to blacklist these kinds of senseless people from this industry!"
"Director-nim, I'm sorry. I'll work harder..."
"Get out!!!"
The MDN director, shouting with the veins on his neck popping.
Kim Hyunji could only lower her head in sorrow.
Soon, the assistant director approached and whispered softly.
"Hah... Ms. Kim Hyunji, why were you late? Everyone is on edge right now..."
At that moment, a person's voice echoed through the set.
"Hyunji-ssi!! Kim Hyunji-ssi!!!!"
Someone was calling out for Kim Hyunji in a booming voice.
"Kiiiim- Hyuuuuun- Jiiiiii- ssiiiiii—!!!"
The director tilted his head with an expression as if he had a screw loose.
"What crazy bastard is on my set..."
"Oh, there you are."
Kim Hyunji looked up slightly at the man who had approached right in front of her.
Tousled, semi-curly hair and strangely sparkling eyes.
In the frigid atmosphere, seeing his calm expression, her own heart calmed down as well.